[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 37 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Page 1207]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Hurricane Ike Recovery Efforts

September 13, 2008

    Good morning. I just finished a video conference with Secretary 
Chertoff, Director Paulison, and other people about Hurricane Ike.
    Obviously, this is a huge storm that is causing a lot of damage not 
only in Texas but also in parts of Louisiana. The storm has yet to pass, 
and I know there are people concerned about their lives. Some people 
didn't evacuate when asked, and I've been briefed on the rescue teams 
there in the area. They're prepared to move as soon as weather 
conditions permit. Obviously, people on the ground there are sensitive 
to helping people and are fully prepared to do so.
    Secondly, I've asked Secretary Chertoff to go down as soon as 
weather conditions permit. I suspect he'll be able to get down to Texas 
this afternoon and will be in the gulf coast region, hopefully, within a 
reasonable period of time to help the State of Texas officials, as well 
as local officials, begin the recovery effort. There's going to be a 
need for Federal, State, and local coordination as this storm moves 
through east Texas.
    Obviously, there will be concerns about electricity. We've got 
generators in place, generators moving into the area to help. They'll be 
concerned about water and ice. They'll be concerned about energy, and 
I'm concerned about energy.
    This administration has moved quickly. Last night, we suspended EPA 
waivers on certain reformulated gasolines, which will make it easier for 
imports from abroad to make it into our markets. In the meantime, the 
Department of Energy, the Federal Trade Commission, and I know State 
authorities will be monitoring gasoline prices to make sure consumers 
are not being gouged; make sure consumers are being treated fairly.
    As this massive storm moves through the gulf coast, people of that 
area can be rest assured that the American people will be praying for 
them and will be ready to help once the storm moves on.

Note: The President spoke at 8:39 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of these remarks.